Hot prospects invade McAllen

By John Cannon

Corpus Christi native and Top Rank prospect Jerry Belmontes said that he is proud to call the Valley his home away from home for now. “I have been training here for quite some time now and feel very comfortable in the Valley,“ said Belmontes. “I have fought twice here as a pro and a lot as an amateur and really enjoyed it. I look forward to fighting in front of the Valley fans again and I know they will show their support. This is a great card and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Belmontes, along with local favorites Eric Molina and Tito Ramos, were at Joe Brand in McAllen for the official meet and greet leading up to the “Top Rank Live” show on February 6 at the McAllen Convention Center. Top Rank Inc. launched their live series on January 16 in Las Vegas and are teaming up with Tecate, Fox Sports en Espanol, and Fox Sports Net as they are traveling to a variety of cities over the next couple months featuring some of the biggest and best prospects in the business.

“This is going to be a huge night of boxing for the Valley fans and I hope they come out and see a card that will feature some top level talent,“ said Cavazos. “Belmontes is an up and coming prospect with Top Rank and had an excellent amateur background. Ramos is a local kid from Edinburg and got a huge opportunity as he was Floyd Mayweather’s sparring partner as he prepared him for Marquez. And as for Eric, what can I say? He is the hottest prospect in the Valley right now and is moving up fast. I can honestly say that these three guys will be the next generation of Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins, and Oscar De La Hoya.”

Molina, who had an incredible 2009 by becoming the first ever WBC Latino cruiserweight champion in the Valley, said he is excited to kick-off 2010 fighting on a Top Rank card.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and what a way to kick off 2010 than to fight on a Top Rank card,” said Molina. “ I am psyched about fighting on the same card as some of the top prospects in the business and feel it is going to be a good night of boxing. I have been training hard and can’t wait to step back in the squared circle and put on a good show.”

Ramos said that he is proud to represent Mexico, as well as the Valley on the Top Rank card and is ready to give his opponent a lesson in boxing.

“After being born in Mexico and now residing in the Valley, I am excited about getting an opportunity like this and plan on giving my opponent a lesson that night,” said Ramos. “I have been working hard for this over the past three years and all of the hard work and discipline will pay off on February 6.”